New in Town: Thankful

So I’m a new girl in town.

And this post really has nothing to do with that, but that’s ok.

I love this season…I’m all about the holidays, and I’m even more about giving thanks…because I’ve got a lot to be thankful for.

In fact, I’ve been blogging on thankfulness the whole month at my personal blog. I hope you’ll hop over there and read my take on life through “30 Days of Thanks”, which I’ll be writing until the end of the month.

In thinking about being new here, I realized that a lot of the things I’m thankful for this year have to do with my location…so why not share them with you?

In July, my husband and I were able to purchase the house we’d rented for the previous year. As those closest to us know, it was nothing short of a small miracle that all the details worked out for us to buy it. Now that we own a house in Old C’ville, unless something drastic happens, we plan to stay for a long time. I love that.

I am so thankful to be home.

About a year ago, my husband and I began attending a church that we just loved. (And still do!) I know that finding a church isn’t a necessary part of belonging to a community for everyone, but it was one of the things we wanted most.  As we sat through services and eventually became involved there, we began a journey of discovering where exactly we stood on things…according to the Bible and not what everyone expected of us. I love the new relationship with God that I’ve discovered and my amazing church.

I’m so thankful for God and an amazing church family, both who accept me, challenge me, and love me.

I’ve got some wonderful friends through my neighborhood and church, but I also love the connections I’m making through my job at Café Firefly. Yeah, the secret’s out…I wasn’t sure if I should share where I work, but the truth is…I love it. I’ve made some good friends while working there and have enjoyed meeting some of you as well. (And now you can meet me if you want…I work Tuesday and Wednesday nights, and I’d love for you to stop in, order a Mexican Mocha, and say hi!)

I’m so incredibly thankful for my friends.

I’ve got a small family. It’s just me, my hubby, my sweet daughter, and my two rambunctious, but lovable, golden retrievers. But the people in my life here have become my extended family. I never thought I’d be part of a place where I’d feel like my neighbors and friends were my family…but I love them.

I’m so thankful for family.

Last January I started a Blog 365 on my personal blog, which means I am writing every day for a year. It has been one of the most difficult, yet also one of the best, things I’ve ever done. I’m discovering who I am as a writer, as a wife, mommy and friend, and as a follower of Christ. I’m learning discipline and restraint as well as how to open up and be real. And I’m also realizing how much I love to write...and can’t wait to finish my first book, which I know you’ll all want to buy!

I’m thankful for words, both for the stories they tell and the power they hold.

I never thought that moving here 16 months ago would turn into one of the greatest blessings of our lives. I didn’t want to be here…and yet this is such a good place. I hope you all know that you’re blessed to live here. If you’re one of those people going through what I did when I first moved here and wondering if you’ll ever make any friends, stop by Firefly one night when I’m working. I would love to chat with you, make some coffee for you, and get to know you a little better.

Because I’m so, so thankful for community. And I want you to love it as much as I do.

What about you? What are you thankful for? I’d love to hear it!